#WhatsHappening for November 15, 2020

You kids might not buy this, but- despite my misanthropy- I miss hanging out with you guys.

We (mostly) had fun during our Saturday night soirees- and our species needs that. But none of us should risk our lives or the lives of our loved ones for it.  Any vaccine is going to be a while in coming, as is the time when it's actually safe to socialize again.

When that time comes, I sincerely hope that we can get together again, but I have to be honest with you; With the battle against the pandemic still being won by the virus, the likelihood of me doing a karaoke show again any time soon is slim- because I just can't see a way to do it that I think is safe.

With that in mind, and because I've been asked on and off, here's my short, but (mostly) to the point, FAQ:

- What about (venue)? Unless there's been a major upgrade to a venue's HVAC system that involved the installation of scrubbers that include HEPA filters, then pretty much nowhere is going to be okay to do it, short of outside and then only if everyone keeps that 6' distance and wears their masks.

- What about sterilizing the mics after every singer? That's a great idea, and I'd be more than willing to look at options to do so mechanically. In fact, I know of at least one manufacturer that makes a contraption that is specifically designed to sterilize microphones. During our last show before shut-down, I used a 90% alcohol solution to wipe down the mics after each singer, and rotated the mics to give the windscreens time to "soak" in the alcohol I'd sprayed into them. I also had hand sanitizer for singers to use (though, sadly, it went woefully neglected). While I'm pretty confident this was effective, I can't be 100% sure it worked. And, again, see the answer above about the air circulation system.

- What do we do then? I wish I knew. The only thing I can suggest is: Listen. To. Science. And be smart, damnit. Wash your hands, keep your distance, and wear your damned mask.

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I don't think my politics have ever been a secret. I believe in in giving people a chance, in judging people "not...by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." If this makes me a "liberal", so be it. I will not apologize for believing in fairness and decency, and I will to continue to call bullshit when I see it- no matter where it comes from.

Good job to the nearly 150,000,000+ of my fellow citizens who voted (though I will readily admit to being sickened by the number of you who are totally okay with the sloth, chaos, lies, division, and racism of the current "leaders" of the supposed "grand old party"). What's more amazing, though, is- despite the record turnout, the numbers still totaled only about 67% of the total number of eligible voters, so... what the fuck, people? Get off your asses.

Now, on to other stuff...

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The CMAs were this week. Needless to say, country music isn't something I pay much attention to, so I don't have anything to say about the ceremonies themselves.

One thing I noticed the next day, though, was a Facebook post by Stevie Van Zandt:

Shit like that is exactly why I started the Outlaw Country Format SXM channel 60 sixteen years ago. @JasonIsbell https://t.co/IlRXHCAb9N

— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) November 13, 2020

I can relate. Back in the 90s, in my last gig as on-air "talent" (and yes, I use that term very loosely), I worked at a country station. It wasn't exactly a secret that I was not a fan of the music. Sure, there were a few artists that I felt were still "country", but most of what I was condemned to play was (to me), twangy, poppy shit. That opinion hasn't really changed based on what few recent country songs I've heard.

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Suspect208 has released their debut single, Long Awaited.

The band has a leg up on their competitors, too- seeing as it's comprised of London Hudson, Tye Trujillo, Noah Weiland, and Niko Tsangaris. 

Don't know the names? Maybe you're familiar with Hudson's dad, Slash? How about Robert Trujillo, Tye's old man? And surely you've heard of the late Scott Weiland, right? Poor Niko's the odd man out, since neither of his parents is famous.

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The annual Macy's Thanksgiving parade is coming up in a couple of weeks. Meanwhile, the US is reeling from the continued uptick in COVID-19 cases- and deaths. And here's the thing, the numbers (despite the idiotic blathering of conspiracy theorists and science deniers) and underreported.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's won't- they can't- look the same this year as they have in years past. So for fuck's safe, be smart. And when was the last time you washed your hands?

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Doug Supernaw passed away at home in Texas on Friday after a long battle with cancer. 

The singer, who enjoyed a run of success on the country charts in the 90s, was diagnosed in early 2019 with advanced stage IV lung and bladder cancer. Despite aggressive treatment, the cancer spread to his brain and spine and he entered hospice care last month.

Supernaw was 60.

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Do what makes ya happy and all, but if you place a Christmas song around me before Thanksgiving, you're probably gonna see some rage.

It's bad enough that the fucking commercials started before Halloween- and that the Hallmark Channel seems to exist only to show vapid Christmas movies 365 days a year.

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Birthdays today include: C.W. McCall (92); Petula Clark (88); Rick Kemp of Steeleye Span (78); Anni-Frid (Frida) Lyngstad of ABBA (75); Steve Fossen of Heart (71); Michael Cooper of Con Funk Shun (68); Alexander O'Neal (67); Joe Leeway of Thompson Twins (63); Kevin Eubanks (63); Chad Kroeger of Nickelback (46); and B.o.B. (32). #MusicalBirthdays